A solid, stable foundation is of utmost importance when it comes to construction projects. Contractors use different materials to create strong foundations in their construction projects. It is necessary to fill out any holes and smooth out the terrain before constructing anything. Contractors must apply the materials they use carefully and correctly to ensure that the basis is firm. Compact fills are used underneath the foundation. It is important as it helps raise the grade of the structure above ground. Sand, rock, dirt, and similar materials are used to create compact foundations. Keep reading to get familiar with three types of compactable fill.
Types of Compactable Fill
The following are three types of compactable fill:
1. Fill Dirt
There are many types of dirt that are included in fill dirt. A contractor can go for subsoil, topsoil, gravel, sand, and clay, depending on the construction project and its requirement. All these materials can compose a compactable fill, producing what we can call “fill dirt”. If the construction project is of a building, the requirement would be a clean fill dirt that is high in clay. Similarly, topsoil would be the best option for a golf course construction project. This is because topsoil is rich in nutrients that can support grass. Project engineers will specify what kind of composition is needed in the compactable fill. This is because the composition is highly significant when it comes to grading and compaction.
2. Rock Fill
Sometimes, there are large holes that need filling. To fill or even out these large holes, rock fill comes to the rescue. Harvesting large rocks from excavation sites helps make rock fill. Rock fill is useful for large-scale projects. Although, placing a thick layer of topsoil on top of the rock fill for any construction projects. The topsoil might need alterations via mulch or compost.
3. Fill Sand
Fill sand is beneficial because of its physical qualities. It is made of grains that can be a round, sharp, regular, or irregular shape. Due to this, fill sand is excellent as a fill material around wet areas like ponds and septic tanks. Crushed rock makes up fill sand, which means it is not susceptible to absorbing water or compressing like dirt. Fill sand is used for the construction of residential and commercial properties. However, it will lose its shape over time.
The Closing Word
Construction does not happen overnight. Contractors and project engineers need to consider many factors and make the best decisions at every step. The most important part of the process is the beginning, which means setting the basis. Laying a stable foundation for a construction project is vital, as it is what the structure will be built on. Therefore, it is important to land on the right decisions. A compactable filling is used to even out and raise the area before the foundation is set. Many filling materials can be used to achieve this purpose, including fill dirt, rock fill, and fill sand. If you need a filling material for your construction project, WM Trucking & Excavations can help. Contact us at 936-372-1399 for the best filling materials.